i am having a problem with my hidden folders.when i check the show hidden folder in the folder options and click apply then it doesn't work i.e. when i again open the folder options the option (show the hidden file) is automatically unchecked. i tried to change the registry manually and was able to view the hidden files but when i again check the option(show the hidden files) then again the hidden files and folders disappear.what's causing this / can anyone help me ?

Go to the following registry key
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Exp lorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL

delete the value CheckedValue in the right window Its type should be REG_SZ and data should be 2

Now create a new DWORD value called CheckedValue same as above, except that the type is REG_DWORD. Modify the value data to 1 (0x00000001).

that should solve your problem if you dont feel comfortable editing registry then wait for the experts to see if they have any other ideas

nah it didn't help...the "checked value " present in my computer was of type REG_DWPORD and had value 0 not 2 ( and the type wasn't REG_SZ). However i deleted and tried to create the new "checkedvalue" as u said but it won't allow me to create another with that name. says it already exist.when i again open the registry editor the "checkedvalue" is there as it was in the beginning.

try just changing the value to 1

i am having another problem. i changed the registry and now i can't hide the hidden files and folders. i was able to view the hidden files by changing the registry entry. i went to HKCU->software->microsoft->windows->curerntversion->explorer->advanced and changed the value of "hidden" in the right window to 1.
now it displays the hidden files and folders even when the "do not show hidden files and folders" is selected. and now i can't find a way to hide the hidden files. even when i select the show hidden files option in folder options and click ok and when again open the folder options the "do not show hidden files" is selected.. and the hidden files are displayed all the time.
i think there's something wrong with the registry entry..can i undo these changes ?? can anyone help ???

If you cannot manually reset the registry and if you did not back it up there is little you can do to change it short or reinstalling it (XP).

In the future you should always back up your registry before any changes.

it worked...You're good...thanx alot

We're glad to help.